A scaffolder from Essex chose sun over stuffing this past Christmas, leaving his wife behind in the UK for a week-long lads' holiday in Tenerife.
A Festive Decision That Caused Friction
Dan, who usually travels the world with his wife Natalia, documenting their adventures on YouTube and Instagram, made a solo move for the festive period. He spent Christmas Day on the Canary Island hotspot of Tenerife with two of his scaffolder friends.
He admitted that his wife was not happy about the arrangement. "She actually did mind me going. She didn't want me to go," Dan told the Mirror. However, his motivation wasn't purely a desire for winter sun. He explained that one of his friends had his house flooded and was stuck in temporary hotel accommodation, with his own family away for Christmas. Feeling his mate needed company, Dan decided to join him and another work colleague on the trip.
The Logistics of a Lads' Christmas Getaway
The trio kept a close eye on their budget for the holiday. They flew out on Christmas Eve and returned on New Year's Eve, with return flights costing just £261 each.
Opting for a quieter and more affordable part of the island, they stayed in a house in Los Realejos on the north side. The accommodation cost £1,118.40 for three people across six nights. To explore the popular southern tourist areas like Playa de Las Américas, they hired a car for seven days at a cost of £271.80. Dan, who doesn't drink much, acted as the designated driver.
Sunshine, Strangers, and a Thai Curry Christmas Dinner
Christmas Day was spent in 23°C heat with clear skies on Playa de Las Américas, surrounded by other British tourists. The search for a traditional Christmas roast, however, proved completely futile as everywhere was fully booked or closed.
In the end, their Christmas dinner was far from traditional. They settled for a Thai red curry at an Asian restaurant, enjoying the meal with a spectacular view of the ocean sunset.
Despite the perfect weather, Dan found the experience lacking the essential cosiness of a British Christmas. He reflected that being surrounded by loved ones in a warm home, even with miserable weather outside, held a special feeling that a beach full of strangers could not replicate. His two older travelling companions, however, preferred the sunny, beer-in-hand alternative.
In total, Dan spent around £1,200 on the trip, covering all his expenses. His two friends, who were drinking and smoking, spent closer to £2,500 each.
He would recommend a Tenerife Christmas for those without family to spend the day with, but for anyone with a family at home, he suggests joining them. As for his wife Natalie's feelings now? "She's cool man. She was upset when I left, but we've been together for 10 years now. She knows what I'm like," he said.
